Back in the day, David had to use body doubles to go about his daily business, was mobbed by fans wherever he went, and had to deal with a fan throwing herself on to the stage as he sang from a balcony.

He was also inundated with saucy letters from fans... and knickers.

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TROUBLED TIMES

Despite his sex-symbol status - that continues to this day - David has never been arrogant.

Speaking to The Scotsman in 2008, he said: "Growing older doesn't bother me.

"I hardly ever look in the mirror anyway. Botox? A face-lift? Get away with you!

"I couldn't care less about lines and wrinkles.

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David was one of the sexiest pop stars of the seventies and fans still lust for himCredit: Getty Images

"I've honestly never been that interested in how I look – I'm just a natural born scruff."

When probed about his famous mop of curly brown hair, he laughed: "Yeah, well, all that's gone now.

"It's all changed. And I couldn't care less. In any case, I've just let everything go.

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These day his curly brown mane is a short silver crop - but his eyes are just as twinklyCredit: Getty Images - FilmMagic

"I was always embarrassed by the girl-pulling, good-looks image."

There are sure to be more memories bandied about on today's nostalgia-heavy show.

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David has never stopped performing since the seventies, releasing almost an album a yearCredit: Redferns

In October, David will be going on tour with fellow icons Suzi Quattro, The Osmonds and Hot Chocolate as they take fans on a trip back to the decade of bell bottoms, platform boots and layered haircuts.

Soap fans might also recognise David from his short stint on EastEnders playing antiques dealer Eddie Moon, uncle of Shane Ritchie's Alfie.

The dad-of-five left the soap in 2011 after just five months, deciding that he wanted to record another album - his twenty-ninth - rather than be caught up in Walford's miserable web.